A.J. Green appeal will be heard Friday
(Updated 9 p.m.)
ATHENS – Georgia’s appeal of wide receiver A.J. Green’s four-game suspension will be heard by an NCAA committee Friday, UGA associate athletic director Claude Felton said.
The appeal will be heard via conference call by a quorum of the NCAA Division I Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement, consisting of officials from other schools and conferences.
Asked Wednesday night if he expects a ruling on the same day as the hearing, Georgia coach Mark Richt said: “I can only hope that.”
Green, who didn’t play in Georgia’s first two games, will have to sit out Saturday’s game against Arkansas and the Sept. 25 game at Mississippi State unless his suspension is shortened.
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said Wednesday the Razorbacks have to prepare as if Green will be on the field Saturday, while Richt said Georgia has approached this week from the premise that Green won’t play.
“And then if it turns out he can play . . . we certainly can use him,” Richt said.
Georgia players say they’re prepared for either scenario.
“Hopefully they come back with a ruling that is favorable and he’ll be out there, but it’s not something you can bank on,” tight end Aron White said. “We’ve been preparing to where if he comes back great, but if he doesn’t we’ve got to still go out and get these games. We’re still the Bulldogs, with or without A.J.”
Cornerback Vance Cuff said a Green return would be “definitely a plus – about five pluses, to tell you the truth.”
The NCAA handed Green the four-game suspension last week for selling his Independence Bowl jersey for $1,000 to former North Carolina football player Chris Hawkins, whom the NCAA considers an agent. In several interviews, Hawkins has said that he bought the jersey as a collector and that he is not an agent.
It also would be against NCAA rules for a student-athlete to sell memorabilia to a non-agent.
In another development, the Morgan County Citizen and ESPN.com reported Wednesday that Hawkins, from Kinston, N.C., was arrested near Madison, Ga., on April 23, 2009, on felony charges of trafficking cocaine and misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana. He reportedly has an Oct. 18 court date in Morgan County.
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273 comments Add your comment
Police Chief
September 15th, 2010
9:33 pm
All those thugs need too be kicked off the team
ga gator
September 15th, 2010
9:34 pm
bite me Mullen, how do you like Cam Newton now?
Dan Mullen
September 15th, 2010
9:36 pm
How do you like florida without tebow! You guys suck! You guys will be lucky too beat tenneesee but if we had a shot at you losers the bulldogs will whip you sorry gators
Fish2774
September 15th, 2010
9:38 pm
There are some true Idiot’s in this world to believe that something is free. Haven’t you heard the ole saying that nothing is for free, and that is so true.
Police Chief
September 15th, 2010
9:39 pm
Everybody knows Florida and Georgia are THUG U, lock all of them up
ga gator
September 15th, 2010
9:40 pm
Get on here and say that after you visit the swamp, or are you even aware of that. Did your grandma give you that cowbell when your momma and uncle had you?
Calhoundawg
September 15th, 2010
9:40 pm
I’m sick of the media, I’m sick of the NCAA, I’m disgusted by the shameless pandering of pathetic “sportswriters,” I’m sick of the whole mess. The simple joys of a cold beer and a football game on Saturday are long, long gone. I don’t know which desperate AJC employee wrote this article, and I don’t care. The illiterate ramblings of the same idiots who post on these sites day after day is past old and is simply moronic. The only remaining question is why I continue to visit and post. Must be a personal problem. Hi, my name is ********* and I’m addicted to sports. Please shoot me.
Josh
September 15th, 2010
9:41 pm
Its all political. Thats how the NCAA does it. They did not want Georgia to beat South Carolina and knew with AJ Green out there Georgia would of won. But, do not think that his suspension will end. It will be the four game suspension vs one game suspensions last season with players who did the same thing. Its poltical and the NCAA has their agenda to worry about. Do not think this was not done with a purpose in mind.
Blue Max
September 15th, 2010
9:42 pm
Josh you are a perfect example.
Dan Mullen
September 15th, 2010
9:44 pm
ga gator after we whoop that defense all over the field then maybe you can stop getting on this lame blog, now that rainey is gone, who else does florida have? Nobody cause they suck
Police Chief
September 15th, 2010
9:44 pm
Ga Gator you beter hope those thugs florida has can stop sending death text messages
ga gator
September 15th, 2010
9:45 pm
Mullen, not even a MS State grad is as stupid as you. Give us a brief rundown of the recent history of your storied program.
Chris
September 15th, 2010
9:45 pm
I think the point that most people are missing is the fact that these kids just get a slap on the wrist. If you are playing college football, you are held at a higher stander. You are constantly under the spotlight, and your actions will become public knowledge one way or the other.
If any school wants to curtail arrest, NCAA violations, and so forth, then they have got to stiffen the penaly for breaking team rules. If you are arrested for any reason, you should be kicked off the team, end of discussion. NCAA violations should be a minimum of a 1 year suspension or kick the player off the team…depending on the severity of the violation.
These player need to learn that there ignorant, selfish acts can cost them their scholarship and possibily a career in professional football.
What schools are doing now is like time out for a child. It just doesn’t work.
Droppin like flies
September 15th, 2010
9:47 pm
Bean Anderson cant play and Branden Smith cant play….. here we go again. S&C program is a complete joke at UGA.
ga gator
September 15th, 2010
9:47 pm
Agree totally Chris.
Dan Mullen
September 15th, 2010
9:49 pm
With your players keep getting in trouble it won’t be hard too show the swamp how good our team is. It wasn’t hard for miami ohio or south florida so it won’t be hard too be the gator meat out you guys
Police Chief
September 15th, 2010
9:51 pm
Ga Gator if florida students are so smart then why do their players get arrested so much, sounds like stupid decisions
Chuck UGA
September 15th, 2010
9:52 pm
Even with AJ back, having Mike Bobo (who I think should go) as OC is still a problem. Mike’s “not sure” of Coach Richt’s idea to open things up for Murray. Well, I’m “not sure” Mike Bobo realizes 8-4 is NOT ACCEPTABLE and 9-3 means you better win the East in 2011. Maybe we need some more change over there.
LAdawg
September 15th, 2010
9:57 pm
I’m a UGA grad that was in classes with a few football players so I may be a little slow. Let me get this straight – UGA makes tens of millions of dollars each year off of 85 players on a campus of 24,000 students and those 85 players are supposed to feel priviliged to get a “free” education out of the deal. Their “free” education doesn’t cost the university a dime, so it really is free to UGA. Believe me, one or two more butts in seats in a class of 60 to 200 students or more does not cause an overload for the professor. This is a plantation system and the NCAA cracks the whip. Just like the plantations of old, make examples of the few to keep the many subserviant to the wishes of the power brokers.
You say What?
September 15th, 2010
9:57 pm
Dear Calhoundawg: Brother I am with you. Here it is the 3rd game and the fun of this season is gone.
I have to ask my self, why do I keep paying all this Money for season tickets, when I could have more fun with this money and check myself into the hospital for recovery and rehab.
ga gator
September 15th, 2010
9:58 pm
No different than UGA students or anyother school. Has anyone compared the Best Party Schools general student population arrest comparisons to that of the football team?
Blue Max
September 15th, 2010
10:00 pm
This is a plantation system and the NCAA cracks the whip. Just like the plantations of old, make examples of the few to keep the many subserviant to the wishes of the power brokers.
Right out of Jesse Jackson’s manifesto.
Police Chief
September 15th, 2010
10:01 pm
Ga Gator this is not about the students, this is about those thugs florida always have too bail out of jail
ryan
September 15th, 2010
10:02 pm
Bama had the death penalty before Saban they were bad for awhile and now UGA and Tenn could be next . UGA is turning into Miami back in the day when they had all those arrest .
Alphare
September 15th, 2010
10:02 pm
You UGA are hilarious. Yes, blame all your losses on NCAA. Yeah, NCAA is pure conspiracy against UGA, so that teams like BAMA and FL can win NC’s.
You players cannot man up, you coaches cannot man up, but now UGA fans CAN man up, against NCAA. Yes, UGA fans will win the AR game for the team.
AJGreen cheated, lied, according to you UGA fans, he should not be punished. Yes, it’s only fair that way.
Yes, your school and coaches are helping the cheater reduce the punishment. Yea, go cheat/steal/hit and run, UGA players, your school, coaches and fans will be with you.
Dan Mullen
September 15th, 2010
10:02 pm
Those sorry gators are going down. No weapons and that defense looks suspect. Oh ga gator make sure you tell chris rainy we said thanks
You say What?
September 15th, 2010
10:07 pm
Blue Max: The Plantation System? Don’t be a Pinhead but you are what you are… so Bite me!
Blue Max
September 15th, 2010
10:08 pm
Sure thing Jesse.
m
September 15th, 2010
10:08 pm
I agree with Josh- all was done to keep UGA from winning.
Blue Max
September 15th, 2010
10:09 pm
Poor UGA, everyone including the NCAA is against you.
layinlow
September 15th, 2010
10:10 pm
Enter your comments here
Dan Mullen
September 15th, 2010
10:12 pm
Georgia sucks
Blue Max
September 15th, 2010
10:13 pm
You say What?………LAdawg at 9:57 called it a Plantation system, I was responding to what he said.
Tech Sucks
September 15th, 2010
10:13 pm
Blue Max you lost to Kansas stfu.
ryan
September 15th, 2010
10:14 pm
It almost like Zebra Gate i bet if AJ played some were else he would not have gotten the celebration penalty .
Chris
September 15th, 2010
10:15 pm
LAdawg, you are an idiot.
A free education is all they deserve. Being a good football player in highschool doesn’t give you the right to be paid for that talent. That comes if you’re good enough to make it to the pros. Most players will never have that chance, but are thrilled to have the opportunity to play the game they love, and get a free education to boot.
The big headed, self centered, hollier than thou athletes that think they are the best thing since sliced bread, are the ones giving college athletics a bad name. For them, a free education isn’t enough, so they do stupid things like accepting bribes from agents, selling shirts, accepting free gifts, cars, and so forth. If they’re really that good, they can’t wait 3 years to make millions?
Again, LAdawg, what rock did you climb out from under?
bob
September 15th, 2010
10:16 pm
No matter what, they want let them replay the SC game. At least Reggie Bush got a condo and car. If you are going to bring down your team, make it worth while for you and your family.
Blue Max
September 15th, 2010
10:16 pm
No tech sux, we beat USF.
Dan Mullen
September 15th, 2010
10:16 pm
Tech Sucks We all know georgia sucks so no smack talk until georgia can beat a real team
DawgNation
September 15th, 2010
10:17 pm
I wonder what the penalty for beating a dead horse is?
Blue Max
September 15th, 2010
10:18 pm
Tell me really Dawgs, does the NCAA, ESPN and the SEC refs really hate you? Do you honestly believe that?
NCAA critic
September 15th, 2010
10:18 pm
ga gator-On how many points do we disagree? Let me count the ways-
But first, a caveat. I personally do not believe that there is any vital purpose to having any scholarship athletes at an academic institution, and this opinion is a major reason that I am critical of the NCAA. The athletes provide a source of money, prestige, loyalty, and entertainment for the schools, but contribute little to and receive little of the main purpose of higher education-providing and transmitting knowledge. I love sports, but really wish that they were fully a function of a completely free market instead of being controlled by a pseudo-governmental bureaucracy.
1. I don’t give a rip what these young men would do with a large amount of money immediately out of high school. The point is that they have no option. No other sport (nor other entertainment sector) obligates performers to obtain an “education” (at a university) in order to participate at the highest level. Why should an “ignorant, uneducated fool” (your words, not mine) be in class with the top tier of students in the country?
2. There is a difference between fields (medicine, law, education, engineering) that require acquisition of knowledege in order to progress and the entertainment industry. Entertainers (including athletes, actors, musicians, and artists) can certainly attend college, but have multitudes of options to advance their careers without sitting through math, literature, history, etc. They do have a choice.
3. After receiving an education (law school, med school, graduate school, etc.), internships are generally paid positions-albeit modestly compensated. Furthermore, interns have some freedom to moonlight and augment their incomes. NCAA athletes have little opportunity to get even a classic summer job or earn money during the school year-the demands of their sport are usually too great.
4. The draconian sentence is not that Green will be denied an education, meals, etc. The draconian sentence is that he is substanially less able to impress his future employers-not because of some horrendous anti-social crime, but because he exercised poor judgment not atypical of young adults. I hope that we can agree that the top players in college football are far more interested in showcasing their talents than making grades. Severely restricting his chance to “audition” should be used to punish more egregious acts.
Finally-and this one made me laugh-I don’t work for Jesse Jackson. Please. I’m a free market capitalist.
ga gator
September 15th, 2010
10:24 pm
That must of taken quite a while to respond to. If you are truly a free market capitalist then surely you realize the vast amount of donations that these athletic departments at the major probgrams generate. That is precisely the reason that the D1 Presidents dont want a playoff system. You certainly think more like a socialist than a free marketeer. Sorry about the Jesse accusation though.
Kramerica
September 15th, 2010
10:25 pm
Ever since they stormed the field against Florida the program has gone downhill.
ga gator
September 15th, 2010
10:25 pm
NCAA critic, you are so intellegent sounding by the way that one might swear that you are Cali-PATRICK. Could it be?????????
Blue Max
September 15th, 2010
10:26 pm
How true Kramerica and Sturdivant hasnt been the same since the TV caught him dancing.
luVsMyDaWgS
September 15th, 2010
10:26 pm
GooD lUk homie cuZ WE be neeDin’ some hep com Sat…..
LAdawg
September 15th, 2010
10:31 pm
Chris, I climbed out from under the rock where if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is probably a duck. If I had to guess, I would say you and Blue Max are the type of UGA fans that have never set foot in a college classroom much less a classroom on the UGA campus. The “planatation system” is an analogy (look it up) that I feel best describes the NCAA who operates a minor league football program in which its players are priviliged to get a free education that costs the universities nothing. Why do you think Georgia State and Kennesaw want to get into this game? $$$$$, Morons!
Kramerica
September 15th, 2010
10:33 pm
Green will be a bust at the next level
Dan Mullen
September 15th, 2010
10:35 pm
AJ Green=Charles Rogers first round bust